New nurse-never heard of this

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  1. This is a discussion on New nurse-never heard of this in Nursing First Job Hunt Assistance, part of Nursing Career Advice ... Hi all, I am a Dec 2012 grad on the job hunt. I am only persuing day shift (for many reasons) and...

    by Feb 2
    Hi all, I am a Dec 2012 grad on the job hunt. I am only persuing day shift (for many reasons) and know that it's almost impossible to land one. I recently interviewed for a job and was told it was a prn position. However, I've never heard of a prn position like this. It has set hrs (36) with 1 call day per week for a possible 48 hrs. It was described as a position to cover shifts and prevent overtime for regular staff. Being a new grad, I don't qualify for additional pay over new grad pay (18 here in Tn). Has anyone else ever had a prn position like this? I also wonder how much experience is required for the additional hrly pay (yes I forgot to ask, but will if called back). Thanks!
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    by TnRN43 Feb 2 9:52 am
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  3. 24 Comments so far...

  4. Feb 2 by
    Sounds like a hospital pool position. Ask what departments you'll cover and what orientation you'll get.
    GrnTea likes this.
  5. Feb 2 by
    PRN positions are usually for those who can jump right in. Definitely not new grad territory, which requires orientation to actually being a nurse. If I were you (which I'm not, but hey), my first question would be about orientation length and intensity. I went PRN/float recently after leaving a staff position, and my orientation was all of one shift on each floor.

    Unless it's a special new grad PRN program (which I have heard of, btw--one of my classmates was hired into one as a first job) or orientation is appropriate for a new grad, I would be wary of taking the position.
    turnforthenurseRN, prmenrs, CrufflerJJ, and 4 others like this.
  6. Feb 2 by
    I was told that I would absolutely receive new grad orientation of 12 weeks. This is also a med surge floor-only possible float is to a floor that receives our overflow sometimes. And this is a small rural hospital if that makes more sense.
    GrnTea likes this.
  7. Guide
    Feb 2 by
    Hmmm...By classifying you as PRN I'm betting they don't have to offer you benefits. What about your hours, can they cut them at any time?

    Perhaps it would be a good idea to go to HR and ask for a definition of PRN for your facility and find out what if any benefits you may qualify for.
    SCTravelRN, One1, loriangel14, and 5 others like this.
  8. Feb 2 by
    No, there are no benefits, she told me that in the interview. I am fine with that, as I have insurance and other bennies through my husband. I know the hours are basically set. What it sounds like to me (and I am no expert) is a way to have a full time employee without having to pay any benefits. No obligation to provide a set number of hours, but it just works out that it is full time hours to accomplish their needs. If that is the case, I have no problem with it. I have just never heard of it-anywhere.
  9. Feb 2 by
    Unless your hours are guaranteed, you will be the first sent home. With no benefits you should be paid more than normal rate. It's good that they will give you a 12 week orientation.
    SCTravelRN, Tina, RN, prmenrs, and 3 others like this.
  10. Feb 2 by
    It does sound like a way to have a full time employee without paying benefits or holiday pay

    . Also, when people are PRN at my hospital, we tell THEM when we can work. With this set-up they have you clearing your schedule around them even though you'll be the very first one called off. I'd definitely take it, but it's a strange set up.
    prmenrs, hiddencatRN, and Not_A_Hat_Person like this.
  11. Feb 2 by
    Quote from itsmejuli
    Hmmm...By classifying you as PRN I'm betting they don't have to offer you benefits. What about your hours, can they cut them at any time?

    Perhaps it would be a good idea to go to HR and ask for a definition of PRN for your facility and find out what if any benefits you may qualify for.
    When I think of PRN, the first thing that comes to mind is no benefits. You should be paid more if they don't give you benefits.
    redhead_NURSE98! and Not_A_Hat_Person like this.
  12. Feb 2 by
    Thats my understand too-prn is higher hrly pay. But, I was told that as a new grad w/no experience, I don't qualify for that additional hrly pay. Im starting to wonder if I didn't misunderstand and this job is part time, that actually works out to full time hrs with the on call time. That would make a LOT more sense I guess. I know that there is PRN and part time available. I know of another class mate that was hired part time and has worked full time hrs since. Since no one else can really make sense out of it, I think maybe I need to call Monday and clarify. Although part time doesn't have benefits either.